Abstract
The dynamics of a population inhabiting a heterogeneous environment are modelled by a diffusive logistic equation with spatially varying growth rate. The overall suitability of an environment is characterized by the principal eigenvalue of the corresponding linearized equation. The dependence of the eigenvalue on the spatial arrangement of regions of favorable and unfavorable habitat and on boundary conditions is analyzed in a number of cases.
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Research supported by National Science Foundation grant #DMS 88-02346
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Cantrell, R.S., Cosner, C. The effects of spatial heterogeneity in population dynamics. J. Math. Biol. 29, 315–338 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00167155
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00167155